Former Norwich mayor given UCFS service award

NORWICH — Typically, winners of United Community and Family Service’s annual Palmer Davies Leadership Award stand by as a list of their accomplishments are announced to the crowd.

But in Ben Lathrop’s case, it took far less time to mention what he wasn’t involved with.

The former Norwich mayor and long-time philanthropist was recognized Thursday night for his decades of service to the region during UCFS’ 136th annual meeting. But in true Lathrop fashion, he pushed the spotlight aside.

In between seeking applause for the military veterans in attendance and providing gifts of his own to UCFS, Lathrop said he has been driven by a simple desire to make the place he lives a better place.

“I think we all want to make a difference. It’s part of the future,” Lathrop said. “It’s most important to give back to your community, give back to your state and give back to your people. This award is dedicated to all of you who are making a difference.”

Established eight years ago, the Palmer Davies Award is presented to “an individual who has fostered an environment of community spirit and understanding that reflects the mission and values of United Community and Family Services,” as described by the Norwich-based nonprofit organization.

A former chairman of the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, Lathrop is also a founding member of “Read to Ride,” a program that awards children in the Montville and Norwich school systems with a bicycle and safety gear to promote reading.

He also is a regular volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul Place soup kitchen and food pantry in Norwich, supporter of Norwich Free Academy and co-chairman of the Shipman’s Golf Tournament for five years, which donated $50,000 each to The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich and Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London.

Lathrop received a framed copy of a Thursday Bulletin editorial commending his spirit of generosity, as well as proclamations of thanks from Montville, Norwich and the region’s legislative delegation.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, also sent a letter of appreciation to Lathrop that was read at Thursday night’s ceremony.

In a letter written to Lathrop by Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, she said he had a “keen eye for recognizing the needs of your fellow citizens.”

“This honor presented to you is a testament to your long standing commitment to the health, well-being and education of your community,” Wyman wrote. “Your contributions have truly improved the lives of all you have encountered.”

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